To help Catanduanes’ medical front liners cope during this very challenging COVID-19 pandemic, the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), the accredited professional organization for architects of the PRC in the country thru its Catanduanes Chapter (CC) donated intubation boxes for the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC). This device provides our frontline healthcare professionals with an additional line of defense, in addition to the traditional coveralls, surgical cap, N-95 mask, scrub suits, goggles/face shield, double gloves, dedicated shoes and shoe covers.
This newly designed see-through polycarbonate box shields physicians and nurses during patient intubation procedures, thereby reducing their risk of getting infected. Intubation is the process done by the medical practitioners of inserting a tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), through the mouth and then into the airway of a patient so that a ventilator can be connected to assist in breathing during anesthesia, sedation or severe illness.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, the intubation process put our medical practitioners at great danger of getting infected due to virus particles that can become aerosolized when the ET insertion is done.
The UAP-CC, produced eight (8) of the intubation boxes with a height of 24” and the units are now being used during intubations at EBMC. UAP-CC made the initial turnover of the device last April 2, 2020 to Dr. Mary Alcantara, Anesthesiologist and Engr. Luis Surtida, Administrator.